The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board issues a strong critique of ongoing Republican efforts to gut the Endangered Species Act.
"The Endangered Species Act [pdf], which played a significant role in saving the bald eagle and the California condor from extinction, is now itself endangered," according to the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board.
The editorial pins the blame for the looming setbacks for the Endangered Species Act to the consequences of an election that turned total control of the federal government to the Republican Party. The consequences for the environment, should the party achieve its goals of rolling back environmental regulations like the Endangered Species Act, could be dire:
Were Congress and President Trump to accede to the demands of anti-regulatory zealots and gut the nature-protecting act, it would be calamitous for hundreds of plant and animal species, local ecosystems, and the complex interconnections that sustain the natural world.
The editorial proceeds to respond to the arguments for reform of the Endangered Species Act proffered by Republicans like Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).
Read the full story: With this Congress, the Endangered Species Act itself might be endangered
Senate bill would ‘overhaul’ environmental permitting laws
Under the proposed act, government agencies would also not be able to suspend or rescind permits after granting them.
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
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Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago Avenue bridge construction delays enrages city leaders
The bridge has been closed since 2025. The city originally aimed to re-open it in December, and now expects to finish construction in 2027.
NYC bus network redesign speeds up Queens buses
Rush routes have seen a 4.6% speed increase after the redesign.
California High-Speed Rail Authority picks trainset manufacturer
The California High-Speed Rail Authority aims to start servicing passengers by 2033.
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After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
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